Anyway, on the basis that good things come to those that wait, here you go.
First impressions before throwing a leg over the saddle were positive and admiring glances and comments were plentiful. The bike looks a million dollars, although depending on the exchange rate this could apply to Euros and £ Sterling too. I digress. The pale grey bar tape, the gloss black of the SKS mudguards and Ritchey WCS bars and stem all work in happy harmony whilst the spanking new Continental Gatorskins sat in resplendent shiny blackness.
AB4AS ( A Bike for All Seasons) was ready. More ready than I was as it happens. My vocational void should be ideally filled with two-wheeled exploits. Instead it has been filled so far with much more job-hunting and research than I had planned.
The maiden voyage was up to the Lakes. An early start saw me meet a friend in the car-park of Sainsbury's in Bamber Bridge before driving to Windermere to meet a second riding companion at his lodge at Limefitt Park, halfway up Kirkstone Pass. A preparatory coffee saw us on our way and wheels were turning just after 0830.
As debut miles go, the first four or five were as illuminating as you could hope for. First the remaining ascent of Kirkstone Pass followed by the corresponding descent. Sat in the saddle AB4AS felt taut and willing. I was expecting a soft rear triangle and the fabled comfort of titanium. I didn't feel that at all. In truth it felt as rigid as my Scott Addict and seemed to be turning effort into forward motion equal to my race-bike.
The second surprise came when I stood on the pedals out of the saddle, weight over the bars and front-wheel to deal with one of the steeper sections. The surprise was once more a welcome one. I hadn't expected to need an appointment when booking steering input changes but what was delivered was once again the equal to, and dare I say the better of my Scott. The feel through the forks and steerer is very direct and encourages you to push those pedals a little harder and feel the ribbon of tarmac roll beneath you.
My riding companions have different strengths. I am challenged for every inch of vertical ascent by Mike, but a nasty 'off' coming down Kirkstone a couple of years ago has meant he is extremely wary on the descents. Chris on the other hand holds gravity as friend and foe on equal measure. He hauls his frame up the hills before throwing it down the other side in a way that can only really be described as a plummet.
I descended Kirkstone's twists and turns hanging onto the rear wheel of Chris. The bikes handling was impeccable. I could rail the corners, take corrective action mid-bend to kiss the apex and slingshot out of the bend with total confidence. Feedback from the bike indicated that the limits were a great deal further away and that you would need to be a complete incompetent to find yourself in any degree if trouble.
As I completed the descent I was taking in the spectacular beauty of a Lakeland Autumn morning. As I passed Brotherswater a sideward glance through a gated wall revealed a view which required an immediate emergency stop and a quick photo opportunity. The resulting image is attached below.
Our ride continued out towards Ullswater before turning and heading off towards Keswick. More climbing, more descending, more confidence instilled by AB4AS. The three or four miles of A- road into Keswick allowed the bike to be tested in time-trialling mode and once again came with nothing other than positive reaction to all input.
A quick coffee in Keswick was followed by a lap of Derwentwater, more photos and then a splendid ride down the deserted north-western side of Thirlmere before reaching Ambleside for lunch. The final element of the ride saw us return to Windermere and back up Kirkstone to our starting point.
My observations have largely been conveyed already, but there are some additional thoughts and advice. Don't buy a Kinesis GF Ti if you want a numb mile-muncher that will cosset you for mile after ponderous mile. Do buy a GF Ti if you want a race-bike feel but with the added convenience of a bike that can take four seasons of use and abuse and keep taking it for a lifetime without respray, fatigue or cracking. It is light, comfortable, responsive, fast and fun. Get one - it's a Bike For All Seasons !!
